Article 2 of the IRG-WP Statues (https://www.irg-wp.com/procedures-statutes.html) instructs that a primary aim of the organization is to “facilitate co-operation among members” and “facilitate collaborative research projects”. To fulfill these aims, IRG-WP shall budget for and periodically fund collaborative research projects that align with the aims of the organization. These guidelines outline the eligibility requirements and application procedures. To read more about the Collaborative Research Fund and awardees to date please click here.
Hypothesis-driven research in wood protection as defined by IRG-WP Sections. Collaboration must include a minimum of three IRG-WP members from different countries in more than one continent. Larger collaborations with geographic diversity are preferred. IRG-WP is not obligated to fund any project in full or to provide funding in any given year.
Application for collaborative research funding is open to all members of IRG-WP in good standing. As there are three or more institutions cooperating, one must be the designated lead (principal) investigator. Funding recipients are only eligible once. All payments from IRG-WP will be made to the designated lead investigator. The project must not place an undue administrative burden on the Secretariat. Any required agreements among cooperating researchers and their institutions are the responsibility of the applicants. Applicants for funding who hold a position on the EC must recuse themselves from the evaluation process. This program will be reviewed by the EC after 3 years.
· Degree to which the research addresses important global needs in the field of wood durability and protection; the potential scientific impact and relevance to IRG-WP membership.
· The use of sound scientific principles.
· The degree of and promotion of collaboration across geographic diversity.
· Research that supports the aims of IRG-WP, including the support of graduate students.
· The inclusion of a detailed work plan, clarity on data ownership, communication plan and overall project timeline.
· The total funds requested and its percentage of the overall project budget (degree to which other sources of funds are leveraged). Normally, IRG-WP support for any single funding request will not exceed SEK 200,000 for applications in either 2026 or 2027.
· Presentation of results in at least one IRG-WP paper at an annual meeting
· Raw data provided to IRG-WP database (if applicable)
· IRG-WP financial support shall be acknowledged in any presentation or publication
· Other (as described in communication plan)
Applications for funding must be received by the Secretariat by 15 October and shall be submitted using the form provided on the IRG-WP website in either Word or PDF format. The Secretariat will validate the eligibility of the application and forward it to the EC for consideration. Successful applicants will be notified by 15 December. Approved applications are subject to subsequent agreement between the parties on the funding.